Characterization of the LV distribution grid for the deployment of a pilot BB-PLC network

As a previous step before the rollout of a pilot Broadband Power Line Communications (BB-PLC) network, this paper describes the measurement campaign carried out for the characterization of the Low Voltage (LV) electrical grid as a transmission medium in terms of grid access impedance, attenuation, and Non-Intentional Emissions (NIEs). First, the main reasons why BB-PLC is the technology selected for the development of new Smart Grid (SG) applications over the LV distribution grid are discussed. Second, the pilot network to be rolled out is described. Then, the measurement systems designed for the assessment of the grid impedance, attenuation, and NIEs are presented, as well as a brief description of the selected locations that correspond to nine scenarios of the LV distribution grid in a town in the north of Spain. These locations represent several grid topologies and areas of different population densities. Finally, some results obtained in the field trials are shown, which demonstrate the importance of a prior characterization of the LV grid as a transmission medium for an efficient planning of a BB-PLC deployment. These results are only a representative selection of the data obtained in the measurement campaign and, thus, further analysis is required to draw accurate conclusions.